Sneek Peak: Cyric
By Sean K Reynolds

Cyric
(Greater God)
Prince of Lies, the Dark Sun, the Black Sun
Symbol: White jawless skull on black or purple sunburst
Alignment: CE
Portfolio: Murder, lies, intrigue, deception, illusion
Domains: Chaos, Destruction, Evil, Illusion, Trickery
Favored Weapon: "Razor's Edge" (longsword)

Cyric (seer-ick) is a megalomaniacal deity with an immense following. One of the three greater powers of evil on Faerûn, he is petty and self-centered, and enjoys misleading individuals of all inclinations so that they perform acts that ruin their lives or so that they make fatal mistakes. He drinks the tears of disillusioned dreamers and broken-hearted lovers. He is not above an alliance with another deity as long as he thinks he can betray the other divine power and come out ahead.

Cyric's church is pledged to spread strife and work murder everywhere in order to make folk believe in and fear the Dark Sun. It supports cruel rulers and indulges in intrigue in such a way that the world won't be overrun by wars (and thus fall under the sway of Tempus). His church is often beset by internal feuds and backstabbing, but this conflict has decreased in recent years as Cyric has gained better control of himself and has consolidated the churches of the deities whose portfolios he took over.

Cyric's clerics pray for spells at night, after moonrise. Cyric's church has few holy days and does not even celebrate the date of his ascension to divinity. Whenever a temple acquires something (or someone) important enough to sacrifice to Cyric, its high priest declares a Day of the Dark Sun to signify the holiness of the event. Eclipses are considered holy. They are accompanied by feasts, fervent prayers, and bloody sacrifices. Cyric's clerics often multiclass as rogues or assassins.

History/Relationships: Cyric arose as a deity during the Time of Troubles. He was a mortal who assumed the portfolios of two deities slain in the Godswar and who managed to slay two other deities and then assume their portfolios. He hates most of the other deities of Toril, but he particularly loathes Mystra (whom he knew as a mortal and whose portfolio he desires), Kelemvor, and Bane (who now holds portions of the portfolio once claimed by him).

Dogma: Death to all who oppose Cyric. Bow down before his supreme power, and yield to him the blood of those that do not believe in his supremacy. Fear and obey those in authority, but slay those that are weak, of good persuasion, or false prophets. Bring death to those that oppose Cyric's church or make peace, order, and laws, for only Cyric is the true authority. Break not into open rebellion, for marching armies move the false deities to action. Fell one foe at a time and keep all folk afraid, uneasy, and in constant strife. Any method or means is justified if it brings about the desired end.

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